World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka Tears Into Reporter Over US Open ‘Partying’ Question

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka wasn’t in the mood for follow-up questions after her straight-sets win over Polina Iatcenko on Wednesday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

In a US Open press conference, the superstar clashed with a reporter who suggested her pre-tournament schedule had been more about parties than preparation.

The exchange began when a reporter asked Sabalenka about her mood now that the tournament was underway, referencing the run of brand appearances and sponsorship events she’d taken on during Fan Week.

Such appearances are known to be customary lead-up period before the U.S. Open’s official start, when top players fulfill sponsorship obligations in the days before first-round matches begin.

“You guys are, like, a joke. Parties, fun… like, why would you even say that?” she fired back. in the clip published by The Tennis Letter on X. “Why would you even think about that? What kind of question is that?

“Just because I posted, like, some activities with brands, and you think that I’ve been partying, not training?”

The reporter tried to clarify their point, telling Sabalenka, “I’m saying that there are a lot of events and things like that. I’m not saying you go to the parties and that you’re…” — only for Sabalenka to cut in: “You literally said that.”

Sabalenka then closed the exchange with a parting shot before moving on to the next question.

“Think before you say stuff,” she said.

Aryna Sabalenka was not happy with a question she received during her U.S. Open press conference, ‘Think before you say stuff’

“How are you finding your mood now that the tournament has started? Obviously last week it’s lots of parties and fun and stuff like that..”

Aryna: “You… pic.twitter.com/CPZvShRbSI

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 3, 2026

It marked the second tense press-room moment of the tournament for the 28-year-old Belarusian, who’d already had a testy exchange with a reporter earlier in the week, the New York Post reported, over how she maintains her energy through the event.

On the court, at least, there’s little sign of distraction.

Sabalenka dispatched Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 and now turns her attention to a third-round meeting with Kamilla Rakhimova.